Vandals are risking their lives every day at new school site

Councillor warns the dangers are unimaginable

Vandals are risking their safety by tearing down fencing at an asbestos-riddled demolition site EVERY DAY and breaking into the dangerous grounds.

Youths are said to be using the Bellsmyre site – where four blocks are being knocked down – as a play park after contractors leave for the day . The workers are having to reinstate the Ferris fencing every morning.

West Dunbartonshire Council has issued an appeal for information, prompted after a concerned reader showed photographs of the damage to the Lennox Herald.

A £4.5m demolition project is being undertaken following a shocking deadly asbestos discovery in the high flats, which could make way for a new Our Lady and St Patrick’s High School.

Labour councillor David McBride urged the culprits not to tamper with the security fences or enter the site, saying the potential consequences are “unimaginable”.

The housing convener said: “The area is cordoned off for your safety and the safety of others and should not be breached. Any area which is a demolition or building site can be highly dangerous for anyone to trespass. The potential consequences for anyone who enters the site are unimaginable.

“I would recommend parents and guardians speak to their children and highlight the danger involved. Can anyone who witnesses any damage to the site or illegal trespass contact the police immediately to ensure necessary action is taken as soon as possible?”

Meanwhile, the concerned resident said the site was a “death trap” and called on the authority to make moves to increase security. The man, who did not want to be named, commented: “ I suspect we are very lucky that someone has not lost a child through them being able to stray onto this wholly unsecure demolition site.

“The place is a death trap. Look at the fence – it’s full of holes, falling down, tied together with string, sitting without any foundation blocks – and then ask yourself how anyone could do this next to a children’s play area.”

A council spokeswoman said: “We have been advised by the demolition contractor at the Bellsmyre site that their fences are being vandalised every evening, outwith site working hours, and that they are having to be reinstated every morning.

“Vandalism is completely unacceptable and any resident with any information about who is responsible should contact the council or the police.”

Meanwhile, it has been revealed that Stuart McMillan MSP has written to the council’s chief executive and Health and Safety Executive following concerns raised with him by Bellsmyre residents.

Huge piles of rubble have been transported to the ground which, the council says, are being used to build a platform for machinery. The authority insists the uncovered heap is asbestos-free but the SNP politician says dust inhalation could still pose a public health issue.

Writing to chief executive Joyce White, he commented: “Uncovered, they contain all manner of demolition detritus, which may cause health issues . Public safety and legislative compliance in these matters is of utmost concern.”

A council spokeswoman responded: “The demolition works are being carried out in close liaison with the Health and Safety Executive, which visits the site on a regular basis.

“The safety of contractors and residents is our primary focus with regards to this project.”